BSAS0N5  9Hr  ITE  SHOULD  PMJ]^  POM  P‘HB  PHOSPEMltT  CF 
THE  BEDESMEH^S  EINGDOM  OH  EARTH, 


<- 


PAM. 

SERM. 


A 

SERMON, 


\ 


rREACHED  AT  NORWIOH,  FIRST  SOOIXTY) 


BEFORE  The 


rOUEIGN  MISSION  SOCIETY 

FOR  FroBmcB  AjTD  jjBs  rjcvfjjr, 

..  t 

MAT  17,  1814, 


At  the  second  annual  mketin®. 


BT  SAMUEL  MOTT, 

PASTOR  OF  THE  CHURCH  IN  FRANKLINi 


Tkt  stone  that  smote  the  image  became  a great  mountain  and 
filled  the  whole  earth. 

MORWICH: 

PRINTED  BT  RUSSELL  HUBBARD. 


dT  the  annual  meeting  «f  the  “ Foreign  Mission  Society  of 
JV’oi  wich  and  its  vicinity,”  holden  May  IT,  1814, — 
VOT’?D,  'JTiat  Messrs.  William  Cleveland,  and  Sam- 
uel R udd,  present  tl)e  thanks  of  this  Society  to  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Nott,  for  his  Sermon  delivered  before  them  this  day,  and  re- 
quest a copy  for  the  press,  and  obtaili  subscribers  to  defray 
expence  of  publication. 

Ji  trm  topy  of  Record, 

Certified  by  * 

- JABEX  HUNTINGTON, /Sec’ry. 


A SERMON, 


LUKE  XI.  12.— THV  ElKODOM  COME.' 


TThIS  direction  was  given  by  the  great  head 
of  the  Church  to  his  disciples,  when  he  was  personally 
on  earth.  It  is  still  in  force,  and  of  universal  obliga-  • 
tion. 

The  kingdom  here  mentioned  is  that  kingdom 
which  God  has  set  up  in  this  ruined  world,  in  the 
hearts  of  believing  sinners ; and  of  which  his  own 
dear  son  is  king. 

For  the  prosperity  of  this  kingdom,  all  men  ought 
to  pray.  For  it,  all  men  who  love  the  Lord  Jesus  in 
sincerity  do  pray.  They  pray,  that  it  may  come,  in 
its  true  light,  power,  purity,  spirituality  and  glory,  to 
the  utter  overthrow  of  the  kingdom  of  Satan.  They 
pray  that  the  holy  scriptures  may  be  translated  into 
all  languages,  and  be  universally  spread, — that  they 
f may  be  preached  with  perspicuity,  and  be  attended 
I with  divine  energy  ; — that  their  sacred  truths  may  be 
* cordially  embraced — their  benevolent  spirit  actually 
possessed,  and  mankind  universally  live  as  become 
i children  of  a common  parent,  growing  in  light,  lore, 
l>eace,  faith,  comfort,  hope  and  holiiicss. 


4 


Considering  the  ver}’’  interesting  occasion,  upon 
which  we  have  assembled,  and  the  'wards  that  have 
been  read,  from  the  oracles  of  God.,  for  our  direction, 
it  may  be  useful,  to  point  out  some  of  the  reasons, 
why  we  should  pray  for  the  prosperity  of  the  Redeem- 
er’s kingdom  in  the  world. 

1.  As  it  is  a kingdom  of  vast  worth. 

It  has  been  set  up  at  very  great  expence ; at  the 
expence  of  Christ’s  precious  blood.  “Neither  by 
the  blood  of  goats  and  calves,  but  by  his  own  blood, 
he  entered  in  once  into  the  holy  place,  having  obtain- 
ed eternal  redemption  for  us.*  Wherefore  Jesus 
also  that  he  might  aarictify  the  people  with  his  own 
Wood,  suffered  without  the  gate.  § Who  loved  us 
and  washed  us  from  our  sins  in  his  own  blood.  ”f 
When  we  take  into  view,  the  perfections  of  God, 
we  may  be  assured  from  the  expensive  manner  in 
which  the  foundation  of  the  Redeemer’s  kingdom 
has  bten  laid,  that  it  is  a kingdom  of  vast  worth. — 
Much  blood  and  treasure,  have  often  been  spent  in 
laying  the  foundations  of  other  kingdoms  ! But  it  has 
been  human  blood ! — *Tt  is  peculiar  to  the  kingdom, 
now  under  consideration,  to  have  been  founded  by 
the  blood  of  the  Son  of  God  ! No  blood  ever  equal- 
led this.  It  is  of  infinitely  more  worth,  than  thou- 
sands of  rams,  or  ten  thousand  rivers  of  oil. 

The  worth  of  the  Redeemer’s  kingdom,  is  farther 
evident,  from  the  consideration,  that  God  has  engag- 
ed to  protect  it:  “ The  gates  of  hell  shall  not  pre- 
vail  against  it.”:f  “ No  u^eapon  that  is  formed  against 
thee  shall  prosper.  ”|| 

’►tteb.  ii.  12.  §tteb.  xiii.  1^.  tH.ev.  i.  5.  |Mat.  xvi.  II. 
lisa.  liv.  ir. 


5 


'rhc  saints  have  to  meet  verj’  powerful  enemies. 

* For  we  wrestle,’  says  the  Apostle,  ‘ not  against  flesh 
^ind  blood,  but  against  principalities,  against  powers, 
against  the  rulers  of  the  darkness  of  this  world,  against 
spiritual  wickedness  in  high placa.*^ — Hut  having 
on  the  'ojJwle  armour  of  God ; “ They  run  not  as  tin- 
ccrtainly ; they  fight  not  as  one  that  heateth  the  air.”* 

“ The  God  of  peace  shall  bruise  Satiui  under  their 
feet  shortly.”^  In  times  of  great  darkness  and  diffi- 
culty, tvhen  Zion  is  ready  to  say,  the  Lord  hath  for- 
saken me,  and  my  Lord  hath  forgotten  me,  the  fol- 
lowing words  point  out  her  security,  and  are  calcu- 
lated to  recover  her  from  desponding  feelings.  “ Can 
a woman  forget  her  sucking  child,  that  she  should 
not  have  compassion  on  the  son  of  her  w'omb?  yea, 
they  may  forget,  yet  will  not  I forget  thee.”f 

The  worth  of  the  Redeemer’s  kingdom,  is  still  far- 
ther evident,  as  it  is  designed  ev'entually  to  recover 
vast  numbers  of  the  human  race,  from  their  shameful 
and  criminal  revolt  from  God,  to  their  proper  allegi- 
ance,— to  make  them  good  and  loyal  subjects,  by 
changing  them,  as  it  were,  from  wolves  and  tigers, 
into  lambs  and  doves, — from  open  enemies,  into  cordial 
friends  .--—By  causing  them  to  delight  in  loving  and  ‘ 
serving  the  Lord,  instead  of  the  pleasures  of  sin  : — to 
do  this  neither  through  fear  of  punishment,  or  hope 
of  any  personal  reward,  but  because  he  is  infinitely 
amiable,  has  a right  to  govern  the  world,  and  alwn-\  s 
does  it,  in  the  most  wise  and  holy  manner ! A king- 
dom thus  founded,  its  perpetuity  thus  secured,  and 
itschief  design  thus  glorious,  is  of  incalculable  worth. 
It  surely  ought  to  be  prayed  for  most  sincerely,  earn- 
estly and  perseveringly. 

^Eph.  vi.  12.  * 1 Cor.  ix.  26.  §Roiii.  xtL  20.  xlix.  15. 


6 


2.  We  ought  thus  to  pray  for  it,  because  we  know 
from  the  holy  scriptures,  that  God,  has  graciously 
engaged  to  enlarge  it,  and  likewise  to  encrease  the 
sanctification  and  knowledge  of  his  people,  before  the 
final  consummation. 

The  scriptures  are  full  of  promises  concerning  the 
future  prosperity  of  the  Messiah’s  kingdom — It  may 
be  useful  to  refresh  our  minds  w ith  a few  of  them. 

The  promises,  which  the  Lord  made  to  Abraham, 
the  father  of  the  faithful,  seems  to  imply  more,  than 
hath  ever  taken  place  : “ Seeing  that  A'.  'raham  shall 
surely  become  a great  and  mighty  nation,  and  all  the 
nations  of  the  earth  shall* be  blessed  in  him.”*  The 
following  words,  likewise,  of  king  David,  appear  to 
have  been  fulfilled,  but  in  part : “Yea,  all  kings  shall 
fall  down  before  him ; all  nations  shall  serve  him.”§ 
They  had  a partial  accomplishment  in  the  days  of 
Solomon,  but  remain  to  be  more  fully  accomplished 
in  gospel  times. 

The  Prophets  in  common,  and  Isaiah  particularly, 
have  spoken  abundantly,  of  the  enlargement  of  the 
church  in  gospel  times. 

The  following  passages,  will  serve  as  a specimen 
of  what  he  has  said.  “ It  shall  come  to  pass  in  the 
last  days,  that  the  mountain  of  the  Lord’s  house  shall 
be  established  in  the  top  of  the  mountains,  and  shall 
be  exalted  above  the  hills ; and  all  nations  shall  flow 
unto  it.  And  many  people  shall  go  and  say.  Come 
ye,  and  let  us  go  up  to  the  mountain  of  the  Lord,  to 
the  house  of  the  God  of  Jacob  ; and  he  will  teach  us 
of  his  ways,  and  we  will  walk  in  his  paths : for  out 
of  Zion  shall  go  forth  the  law,  and  the  word  of  the 


Genesis  xviii.  18.  §Psalm  Ixxii.  11. 


•7 


Lord  from  Jerusalem.*  Sing,  O barren,  thou  that 
didst  not  bear;  break  forth  into  singing,  and  cry 
aloud,  thou  thgu  didst  not  travail  with  child:  for 
more  are  the  children  of  the  desolate  than  the  children 
of  the  married  w’ife,  saith  the  Lord.  Enlarge  the 
place  of  thy  tent,  and  let  them  stretch  forth  the  cur- 
tains  of  thine  habiuuion ; spare  not,  lengthen  thy 
cords,  and  strengthen  thy  stakes.  For  thou  shalt 
break  forth  on  the  right  hand  and  on  the  left ; and 
thy  seed  shall  inherit  the  Gentiles,  and  make  the  des- 
olate cities  to  be  inhabited. § Arise,  shine;  for  thy 
light  is  come,  and  the  glory  of  the  Lord  is  risen  upon 
thee.  For,  behold,  the  darkness  shall  cover  the 
earth,  and  gross  darkness  the  people  : but  the  Lord 
shall  arise  upon  thee,  and  his  glory  shall  be  seen  upon 
thee.  And  the  Gentiles  shall  come  to  thy  light,  and 
kings  to  the  brightness  of  thy  rising.  Lift  up  thine 
eyes  round  about,  and  sec ; all  they  gather  themselves 
together,  they  come  to  thee : thy  sons  shall  come 
from  far,  and  thy  daughters  shall  be  nursed  at  thy 
side.  Then  thou  shalt  see,  and  flow  together : and 
thine  heart  shall  fear,  and  be  enlarged ; because  the 
abundance  of  the  sea  shall  be  converted  unto  thee,  the 
forces  of  the  Gentiles  shall  come  unto  thee.  Thou 
shalt  also  suck  the  milk  of  the  Gentiles,  and  shalt 
suck  the  breast  of  kings : and  thou  shalt  know  that  I 
the  Lord  am  thy  Saviour  and  thy  Redeemer,  the 
mighty  One  of  Jacob.  A little  one  shall  become  a 
thousand,  and  a small  one  a strong  nation:  I the 
Lord  will  hasten  it.”f 

The  Prophet  well  knew,  how  unlikely,  according 
to  human  calculation,  the  remarkable  dungs  he  had 

*Isa.  U.  2,  3.  $Isa.  liv.  1—4.  tisa.  lx.  1—6, 16,  4*  22. 


8 


foretold  wefc  to  take  place ; neveftheleas,  having  a 
fixed  confidence  in  God,  and  being  swallowed  up 
with  his  subject,  he  breaks  forth  in  his  last  chapter, 
in  the  following  most  remarkable  manner : “Who 
hath  heard  such  a thing  ? who  hath  seen  such  things  ? 
sltall  the  earth  be  made  to  twing  forth  in  one  day  ? or 
shall  a nation  be  born  at  once  ? for  as  soon  as  Zion 
travailed,  she  brought  forth  her  children.  Shall  I 
bring  to  the  birth,  and  not  cause  to  bring  forth? 
sailli  the  Lord : shall  I cause  to  bring  forth,  and  shut 
the  wot7ib?  saith  thy  God.  Rejoice  ye  with  Jerusa-* 
lem,  and  be  glad  with  her,  all  ye  that  lore  her : re- 
joice  foi' joy  with  her,  all  ye  that  mourn  for  her  : that 
ye  may  suck  astd  be  satisfied  with  the  breasts  of  her 
consolations  : that  ye  may  milk  out,  and  be  delight- 
ed with  the  abundance  of  her  glory.  For  thus  sMdi 
the-  Lord,  Behold  I will  extend  peace  to  her  like  m 
river,  and  tlie  glory  of  the  Gentiles  like  a flowing 
stream  : then  shall  ye  suck,  ye  shall  be  borne  i^n 
her  sides,  and  dandled  upon  her  knees.  As  one 
whom  his  mother  oomforteth,  so  wiH  I couafort  you  i 
and  ye  dial!  be  comforted  inierusalam.”* 

The  prophecies  are  equally  ex^icit,  with  resspect 
to  the  increase,  of  the  sanctification  aaid  kaaowledge  df 
the  church  under  the  reiga  cf  the  Messiah— “ The 
wolf  also  sliaflJ  dwell  with  the  lamb,  and  the  loo|>ard 
shall  lie  down  with  the  kidi  and  the  calf  and  the 
young  lion  and  the  fatlhig  together;  and  a little 
child  shall  'lead  them.  And  the  cow  and  the  bear 
shall  feed ; their  young  ones  shall  liedowu  togcflter ; 
and  the  lion  shall  eat  straw  fiflee  the  oa.  And  the 
sucking  child  slaull  play  on  the  hxile  of  tdic  asp,  and 


‘•laaiali  htvi.  8^14. 


9 


the  weaned  child  shall  put  his  hand  on  the  cockar 
trice’s  den.  They  shall  not  hurt  or  destroy  in  all 
my  holy  mountain : for  the  earth  shall  be  full  of  the 
knowledge  of  the  Loan  as  the  waters  cover  the  sea.* 
Moreover,  the  light  of  the  moon  shall  be  as  the  light 
of  the  sun,  and  the  light  of  the  sun  shall  be  sevens 
fold,  as  the  light  of  seven  days,  in  the  day  that  the 
Loan  bindeth  up  the  breach  of  his  people,  and  hcal- 
eth  the  stroke  of  tlieir  wound.  1 “ And  the  eyes  of 

them  that  sec  shall  not  be  dim ; and  the  ears  of  them 
that  hear  shall  hearken.  The  heart  also  of  the  rash 
shall  understand  knowdedge,  and  the  tongue  of  the 
stammerers  shall  speak  plainly.  ”f  “ And  he  willde-. 
stroy  in  this  mountain  the  face  of  the  covering  cast 
over  all  people,  and  the  vail  that  is  spread  over  all 
nations.”! 

The  writers  of  the  new  Testament,  especially  St. 
John,  are  likewise  explicit,  as  to  the  future  flouri^-. 
ing  state  of  the  church ; his  words  are : “ And  I saw 
an  Angel  come  down  from  heaven,  having  the  key 
of  the  bottomless  pit  and  a great  chain  in  his  hand. 
And  he  laid  hold  on  the  dragoh,  that  old  serpent, 
which  is  the  Devil,  and  Satan,  and  bound  him  a thou« 
sand  years.  And  cast  him  into  the  bottomless  pit, 
and  shut  him  up,  and  set  a seal  upon  him,  that  he 
should  deceive  the  nations  no  more,  till  the  thousand 
years  should  be  fulfilled.  ”|| 

Satan,  that  old  deceiver  of  our  race,  will  unques.. 
tionably,  be  greatly  restrained,  and  persons  be  raised 
up,  who  shall  possess  the  spirit  of  the  ancient  Mar- 
tyrs, and  enjoy  under  the  spiritual  reign  of  Christ,  a 

*Isa.  xi.  6—10.  §Isa.  xxx.  26.  flsa.  xxxii.  S 4*  4.  lisa.  xxv.  T. 

UBev.  XX.  1—4. 


2 


10 


thousand  years  prosperity. — God  has  great  blessings 
in  store  for  his  church.  His  elect,  from  among  all 
nations  must  be  gathered  in,  and  their  sanctification 
be  completed.  It  is  true  “ Blindness  in  part  is  hap- 
pened  to  Israel,”  but  it  is  only  “ until  the  fullness  of 
the  Gentiles  be  come  in ; and  so  all  Israel  shall  be 
saved.” 

3.  We  ought  to  pray  fo**  the  prosperity  of  the  Re- 
deemer’s kingdom,  because  the  creature’s  of  God, 
which  have  been  long  and  shamefully  abused  by  our 
fallen  race,  will  experience  a kind  of  general  emanci- 
pation, in  the  day  of  its  prosperity  : ‘‘For  the  earnest 
expectation  of  the  creature  vvaiieth  for  the  manifesta- 
tions of  the  sons  of  God.  F or  the  ereature  was  made 
subject  to  vanity,  not  willingly,  but  by  reason  of  him 
who  hath  subjected  the  same  in  hope : Because  the 
creature  itself  also  shall  be  delivered  from  the  bon- 
dage of  corruption  into  the  glorious  liberty  of  the 
children  of  God.  For  we  know  that  the  whole  crea- 
tion groaneth  and  travaileth  in  pain  together  until 
now.”* 

When  the  Messiah’s  kingdom  shall  be  set  up 
among  all  nations,  and  the  spirit  and  doctrines  of  the 
gospel,  shall  have  their  proper  influence  on  mankind ; 
they  will  cease  to  sport  even  with  the  lives  of  beasts, 
and  to  make  an  improper  use  of  things  in  the  inani- 
mate world : especially  will  they  cease  to  injure^  dis- 
tress and  destroy  one  another. — The  nations  of  the 
earth  in  that  blessed  day  will,  “ beat  their  swords 
into  plow-shares,  and  their  spears  into  pruning- 
hooks : nation  shall  not  lift  up  sword  against  nation, 
neither  shall  they  learn  \\  ar  any  more.  § Instead  of 


•Rom.  viii.  19—23.  §Ii».  ii.  4. 


ii 


thirsting;  for  dominion,  they  will  be  happy  in  attend- 
ing to  the  arts  of  civilization,  and  the  duties  of  relig- 
ion.  “ They  shall  sit  every  man  under  his  vine,  and 
under  his  fig-tree : and  none  shall  make  them  afiaid : 
for  the  niouth  of  the  Lord  of  hosts  hath  spoken  it.f 

The  shameful  traffick  in  meti^  which  has  so  long 
disgraced  many  of  our  race,  will  in  that  blessed  peri- 
od cease.  Persons  unrighteously  held  in  bondage, 
will  then  be  emancipated  : — Instead  of  ignorance,  su- 
perstition, infidelity  and  oppression,  there  will  exist 
not  modern  sophisms,  mere  •oisionary  theories,  but  an 
actual  improvement  in  knowledge,  a purity  of  senti- 
ment, genuine  liberty  and  real  piety.  This  divine 
rule,  will  have  a practical  influence  on  the  chihirenof 
men  : As  ye  ’would  that  others  should  do  unco  you,  da 
ye  Ukeviise  unto  them. 

4.  We  should  pray  for  the  prosperity  of  the  Re- 
deemer’s kingdom,  because  when  oppression  shall 
cease,  things  will  then  generally,  be  consecrated  to 
the  Lord.  “ In  that  day  shall  there  be  upon  the  bells 
of  the  horses,  HOLINESS  UNTO  THE  LORD; 
and  the  pots  in  the  LORD’S  house  shall  be  like  the 
bowls  before  the  altar.  Yea,  every  pot  in  Jerusalem, 
and  in  Judah,  shall  be  holiness  unto  the  Lord  of 
Hosts.”*  Things  being  thus  consecrated  to  their 
proper  use,  a kind  of  general  Jubilee  will  commence. 
Sing,  O ye  heavens;  for  the  Lord  heth  done  it: 
shout,  ye  lower  parts  of  the  earth : break  forth  into 
singingye  mountains,  O forest,  and  every  tree  there- 
in : for  the  Lord  hath  redeemed  Jacob,  and  glorified 
himself  in  Israel.  ”§  There  is  joy  in  the  presence  of 
the  angels  of  God  over  one  sinner  that  repenteth.% 

tMicah  iv.  4.  *Zech.  xiv,  20  ^ 21.  §Isa.  xliv.  23.  |Luke  xv.  10. 


I 


12 

subject  to  which  we  have  been  attending  nat- 
urally leads  us  to  remark. 

That  all  persons  present,  who  experimentally  know 
the  evil  of  sin,  the  beauty  and  glory  of  religion,  as 
consisting  in  mipremt  love  to  God  and  good  luill  to  men^ 
who  have  themselves,  actually  taken  refuge  und^’  die 
wings  of  the  Redeemer,  must  have  been  animated, 
by  the  view  we  have  taken  of  the  promises,  respect- 
ing the  future  prosperity  of  his  kingdom ; — that  sin 
shall  not  only  be  destroyed  in  their  own  hearts,  but 
that  Satan,  shall  shortly  be  bound,  and  that  he  shall  de- 
ceive the  nations  no  more,  till  the  thousand  years  be  jtil- 
Jdied-;- — that  the  seed  of  Abraham,  uith  the  fulness  of 
the  Gentiles,  shall  be  gathered  into  the  kingdom  of 
Christ,  and  justice,  righteousness  and  peace,  gener- 
ally pervade  our  world : — that  the  heathen  from  the 
ends  of  the  earth,  the  worsliippers  of  the  Grand  Lama, 
the  sovereign  Pontiff  of  the  Asiatick  Tartars,  of  in- 
animate nature,  of  creeping  things,  birds,  beasts,  and 
departed  heroes,  shall  all,  eventually  have  their  minds 
so  divindy  illuminated,  as  to  renounce  their  idolatry, 
cordially  to  embrace  the  holy  religion  of  the  bible, 
and  voluntarily  to  commence,  the  rational  and  hum- 
ble worshippers  of  the  triune  God : — then  the  earth 
shall  be  full  of  the  kmvsledge  of  the  Loxn  as  the  wa- 
ters timer  the  sea.* 

It  is  exceedingiy  pleasing  in  the  natural  wwld,  af- 
ter the  swn  has  been  long  interoepted  by  clouds,  to 
have  it  jqjpear  in  its  resplendent  beauty.  It  dispels 
a gloom  from  the  countenances  of  men,  animates 
fbero  to  .business,  and  spreads  asmik  at  onoe  over 
the  face  of  rMiture. 


*Ifiaiah  xi.  9. 


13 


How  much  more  pleasing  must  it  be,  to  a pious 
mind,  to  see  ihc  Son  of  righteousness  arise,  in  the 
benighted  corners  of  the  earth,  to  enlighten,  animate, 
invigorate,  comfort  and  save,  tlte  souls  of  men  ? 

To  see  the  clouds  of  ignorance,  sui^erstition  and 
sin,  dispelled,  and  the  refulgent  beams  of  the  Sav- 
iour’s glory,  shine  with  unparalleled  lustre? 

Who  under  the  influence  of  the  Christian  spirit,  can 
realize  the  gross  ignorance,  the  great  superstition, 
the  savage  brutality,  and  the  present  danger  of  tlic 
heathen  nations — the  dispersed,  oppressed  and  un- 
happy state  of  the  seed  of  Abraham,  and  not  be  ani- 
mated with  the  prospect,  that  both  will  soon  taste  and 
see  dial  the  Lord  is  good,  and  live  according  to  the 
laws  and  examples  of  the  divine  Redeemer  ? 

We  are  led  further  to  remark. 

From  the  evidence,  which  hath  been  exhibited 
from  the  prophecies,  of  the  future  prosperity  of  the 
Redeemer’s  kingdom,  we  may  rest  assured  if  we 
make  the  prayer  incur  text,  “ Thy  kingdom  come,” 
we  shall  obtain  our  particular  request. 

Tlie  divine  mind  concerning  the  future  prosperity 
of  the  church,  we  have  seen  is  most  clearly  revealed. 

If  in  Christ’s  name  therefore  we  pray,  thy  kingdom 
came,  we  may  rest  assured  tliat  we  shall  receive  a 
gracious  answer. 

“And  whatsoever  ye  shall  ask  in  my  name  that 
will  I do,  that  the  Father  may  be  glorified  in  the  Son, 
If  ye  shall  ask  any  tiling  in  my  name,  I will  do  it.”* 

“ If  a son  shall  ask  bread  of  any  of  you  that  is  a fa- 
ther, will  he  give  him  a stone  ? or  i[  he  ask  a fish, 
will  he  for  a fish  give  him  a serpent  ? or,  if  he  ask  an 


*John  xiii.  14. 


14 


egg,  will  he  offer  him  a scorpion  ? If  ye  then,  being 
evil,  know  how  to  give  good  gifts  unto  your  chil- 
dren: how  much  more  shall  heavenly  Father 
give  the  Holy  Spirit  to  them  that  ask  him 

All  that  God  has  engaged  to  do  for  Zion,  we  may 
confidently  pray  him  to  do. — As  he  has  said  to  his 
Son,  ask  of  me,  and  I shall  give  thee  the  heathen  for 
thine  inheritance,  and  the  uttermost  parts  of  the  earth 
for  thy  possession,  the  friends  of  the  Redeemer,  may 
confidently  pray  him,  to  enlarge  the  borders  of  his 
church — pray  him,  not  only  to  remember  his  prom- 
ise to  Abraham,  but  to  gather  in  his  elect,  from 
among  all  the  heathen  nations. 

Were  the  heathen  destitute  of  any  capacity  for 
happiness — were  there  no  way  prepared  for  their  par- 
don, were  they  not  immortal,  and  capable  of  standing 
eternally  as  monuments  of  the  Redeemer’s  victory 
and  triumph,  or  were  there  no  intimations  of  mercy 
for  them  in  the  scriptures ; -it  would  not  be  strange  if 
they  were  not  remembered  in  the  prayers  of  the 
saints : but  as  they  are  capable  of  happiness,  as  there 
is  a way,  in  which  they  may  be  pardoned  by  the  atone- 
ment of  Christ,  as  they  are  immortal,  and  capable  of 
becoming  in  the  Redeemer's  crovm  ; and  it  is 
expressly  declared,  by  the  spirit  of  prophecy,  the 
Gentiles  shall  come  to  thy  light,  and  kings  to  the  bright- 
ness of  thy  rising,  we  may  not  only  pray  for  their  con- 
version, but  pray  with  an  assurance,  that  we  shall  be 
heard  and  answered. 

Though  it  is  certain,  that  the  prayers  of  the  saints 
w'ill  be  answered,  with  respect  to  the  future  prosperi- 
ty of  the  church ; it  does  not  clearly  appear,  how 
soon  the  answer  will  take  place. , 


*Luke  xi.  11 — 14. 


15 


It  evidently  will  not  be,  till  the  holy  city  spoken  of 
by  St.  John,  shall  have  been  trodden  under  foot  forty 
and  two  months — and  the  two  witnesses,  shall  have 
prophccied  a thousand  two  hundred  and  threescore 
days  clothed  in  sackcloth. 

It  becomes  us  therelbre,  however  earnestly  we 
may  pray  for  the  prosperity  of  the  Redeemer’s  king- 
dom, patiently  to  wait  for  the  accomplishment  of  the 

divine  promises,  till  the  appointed  time. We  have 

reason  to  hope  that  the  appointed  time  draweth  nigh — 
that  the  millennial  day  actually  dawneth,  from  the 
wonderful  exertions,  now  making,  in  the  different 
parts  of  Christendom,  for  the  promotion  of  the  king- 
dom of  Christ : “ Thou  shalt  arise,  and  have  mercy 
upon  Zion : for  the  time  to  favor  Iter,  yea,  the  set 
time  is  come.  For  thy  servants  take  pleasure  in  her 
stones,  and  favor  the  dust  thereof.* 

The  Lord  emphatically  is  building  up  his  church, 
in  troublesome  times ! — We  must  wait  upon  him ! — 
The  waiting  upon  God,  that  becomes  those,  who 
pray,  thy  kingdom  come,  is  totally  opposed,  to  a care- 
less, negligent  and  covetous  disposition.  It  tends  to  in- 
fluence people  to  cast  their  money  freely,  into  the 
missionary  treasury,  with  a view  of  making  known 
the  divine  Redeemer,  to  the  heathen,  that  are  sitting 
in  the  shadow  of  death;  who,  w'hatever  may  be  the 
color  of  their  bodies,  have  souls  just  like  our  own  ! 

Is  there  not  great  reason  to  doubt  the  sincerity,  of 
those  affluent  persons,  who  in  this  day  of  wonders, 
content  themselves,  (if  they  do  any  thing,)  merely 


*Psalm  CB.  IS.  14. 


16 


with  praying,  thy  kingdom  comef  Who  cOiitribtite 
nothing  upon  any  occasion  to  aid  missionary  exer- 
tions ! 

They  would  be  thought  lost  to  the  common  feel- 
ings of  humanity  if  they  should  say  to  the  needv^ 
Depart  in  peace  ^ he  ye  ’inarmed  and and  should 
actually,  witlihold  the  helping  hand. — Ought  they 
not  likewise,  to  be  thought  lost,  to  all  the  true  feel- 
ings of  religion,  if  under  the  meridian  of  gospel  light, 
with  a cup  overflowing  with  common  blessings,  they 
refuse  to  contribute,  for  the  promotion  of  Christian 
knowledge  among  the  heathen,  actually  perishing  for 
the  bread  of  life  ? 

It  is  a reproach,  [yiith  humility  be  it.xpoken,)  tathe* 
professors  of  religion  in  common,  and  to  :the  mink* 
ters  of  Christ  in  particular,  that  they  have  hitherto; 
done  so  little,  for  the  promulgation  of  the  gospel  !• 
The  pbblic’attention  to  this  interesting  subject,  has 
been  excited  but  in  a small  degree,  since  the  Apos-’ 
tolic  age,  among  Protestants  through  the  whole  Chris- 
tian world,  ’till  within  a short  period. 

What  have  even  the  ministers  of  Christ  do«c  tOv 
spread  the  gospel,  that  appears  as  Uiough  they  had;- 
fclt  the  force  of  the  solemn  injunction  from  their  di- 
vine Lord  ? ^'Coye  into  all  the  world  and  preach  the 
gospel  to  every  creaiure.^’’\ 

It  is  now  almost  two  thousand  years  since  the> 
birth  of  the  Saviour ; when  the  Angel  of  the  Lord 
said,  “ Behold,  I bring  you  good  tidings  of  great; 
joy,  whi6h  shall  be  to  all  people.  For  unto  you,  k 

*Jamc9  ii.  l€.  5Mark»i.  15. 


17 


bom  this  day  in  the  city  of  David,  a Saviour,  which 
is  Christ  the  Lord.  And  this  shall  be  a sign  unto 
you ; ye  sliall  find  the  babe  wrapped  in  swaddling 
clothes,  lying  in  a manger.  And  suddenly  there  was 
with  tlie  Angel  a multitude  of  the  heavenly  host 
praising  God,  and  saying.  Glory  to  God  in  the  high- 
est, and  on  earth  peace,  good  will  towards  men.’’^*^ 

Notwithstanding  this  wonderful  declaration,  by 
those  heavenly  songsters  ; and  the  comnussion  before 
mentioned  to  Christ’s  ministering  servants,  %)hat  have 
they  clone  ? Even  at  this  remote  period  of  the  world, 
the  most  of  the  nations  are  ignorant  that  a Saviour 
hath  been  born;  that  he  hath  erected  his  standard 
among  men. 

There  ever  have  been,  and  still  are,  great  difficul- 
ties, in  the  way  of  making  Christ  known  to  the  hea- 
then I But  are  those  that  have  been,  sufficient,  to  jus- 
tify the  feebleness  past  attempts  ? or  those  that  now 
are,  to  keep  from  making  more  vigorous  exertions  ? — 
The  appeal  is  made  to  conscience !-— Have  not 
too  many*  ministers,  been  rather  speculathe^  than 
practical  divines  ? Have  not  many  e^en  in  Connecti- 
cut, paid  more  attention  to  nice  speculations^  than  to 
making  known  the  only  Saviour,  to  the  poor  Indiart 
tribes,  scattered  through  the  various  parts  of  our  crwti 
country  ? And  who  has  ever  thought  ’till  very  lately, 
that  they  had  any  thing  to  do,  about  the  salvation  of 
Pagans  of  other  countries,  more  than  to  pray for  them  ? 

Have  not  Christians  in  common,  been  very  remiss 
in  their  duty,  with  respect  to  their  exertions  for  the 


3 


. *Luke  ii.  10—15. 


18 


salvation  of  the  heathen,  as  iveJl  as  the  ministers  of 
Christ  ? 

In  no  part  of  the  world,  perhaps,  is  the  gospel  sys- 
tem, in  a speculative  view,  better  understood,  than 
by  the  regular  ministers  and  churches  in  New-Eng- 
land ; but  how  far,  nevertheless,  have  the  Moravians 
and  Methodists,  on  this,  and  the  other  side  of  the  At- 
lantic, excelled  them  in  zeal,  for  making  known  the 
crucified  Saviour,  to  guilty,  perishing  sinners? 

The  Moravians  have  sent  missionaries  to  the  East 
and  West- Indies — to  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope — to 
the  coast  of  Guinea — into  Persia  and  Egypt — to  the 
slaves  of  Algiers — to  the  Calmuck  Tartars,  and  other 
heathen  tribes  in  the  Russian  parts  of  Asia.  Like- 
wise to  the  Laplanders — to  the  negro  slaves  in  South- 
America — to  the  Esquimaux  Indians,  in  the  cold 
barren  regions  of  Labrador — as  well  as  into  many 
other  parts  of  North-America ! — “ Such”  says  the 
historian,  “has  been  the  zeal  and  perseverance  of 
this  poor  people,  in  spreading  the  savor  of  the  Re- 
deemer’s name,  that  no  hardships  nor  dangers,  by 
land  or  sea,  no  distance  of  country,  no  stupidity  or 
barbarity  of  nations,  no  expence  of  which  they  are  ca- 
pable, no  long  and  total  separation  from  their  coun- 
try, friends  and  dearest  connexions,  no  persecutions 
nor  disappointments  could  damp  their  courage,  de- 
press their  spirits,  or  interrupt  their  endeavors.”* 

The  Methodists  likewise,  have  done  much  in  dif- 
ferent parts  of  Europe,  the  West-Indics  and  America, 
to  make  known  the  Lord  Jesus,  the  Saviour  of  sinners. 

*Con.  Evau.  Mag.  vol.  i.  pp.  82. 


However  wc  may  differ  from  both  the  foregoing/ 
in  many  points  of  theology,  who  can  behold  their  zeal, 
self-denial  and  hardship,  in  promulgating  the  gospel, 
and  not  feel  desirous  of  imitating  their  good  example. 

There  are  other  illustrious  examples,  that  invite 

our  attention. — The  European  missionary  and  bible 
societies,  within  a few  years  especially,  have  wrought 
wonders.  Missionaries  have  been  sent  into  Africa, 
Asia  and  to  a number  of  the  Islands  in  the  South 
Sea ! — The  European  Christians  have  not  been  con- 
tent, with  praying,  thy  kingiUm  come.  They  have 
cheerfully  notwithstanding  all  their  other  very  extra- 
ordinary calls  for  money,  afforded  every  pecuniary 
aid,  to  those  who  liave  had  zeal  to  carry  the  glad  tid- 
ings of  salvation  to  distant  regions ! — By  their  aid, 
bibles  have  been  translated  into  different  languages ; 
and  multiplied  in  the  Englhh^  far  beyond  any  former 
example ! 

But  the  missionary  spirit  has  not  been  confined  to 
Europe ; — it  has  crossed  the  Atlantic.  Many  soci- 
eties, have  been  formed  in  our  own  land.  Much 
good  has  been  done^ — much  is  novi  doing,  and  much  yet 
remains  to  be  done. 

After  the  missionary  spirit  began  to  arise  in  this 
country^,  the  views  of  the  good  people  were  for  years 
in  a great  measure  local.  Nothing  was  thought  of 
but  our  new  settlements,  and  the  heathen  upon  the 
borders  of  the  United  States  ! — Of  late  their  views 
have  become  more  enlarged,  and  they  have  seemed 
to  realize  that  all  men  are  their  brethren  ! — The  hun- 
dreds oj  millions  of  Pagans  upon  the  Eastern  Continent ^ 


so 


have  excited  attention.— -A  few  youths  apparently 
pious^  and  zealous  to  spread  the  knowledge  of  their 
divine  master,  voluntarily  offered,  toleaxie  their friends 
and  native  country,  to  sound  the  gospel  trumpet 
among  them ; — -to  invite  them  to  turn  from  their  idol 
vanities  to  the  living  God,  through  the  blood  of  that 
lamb,  that  taketh  avoay  the  sin  of  the  vjorld! — The 
benevolent  proposal  struck  the  minds  of  many  pious 
persons  with  irresistable  force ! 

A Foreign  Missionary  Society  was  soon  formed, 
which  took  those  youths  under  their  patronage.  Ma- 
ny Auxiliary  Societies,  have  likewise  been  formed^ 
to  aid  in  the  benevolent  work.  Monies  have  been 
raised ! Prayers  have  been  offered ! — The  faith  and 
patiericCi  of  the  first  adventurers,  has  been  put  to  the 
test ! They  have  been  tried  Various  VDoys,  but  have  not 
fainted! — Nothing  really  discouraging,  has  taken 
place — and  the  greatest  obstruction,  that  has  been  in 
the:  way,  through  the  goodness  of  God,  in  ansvier  to 
many  prayers,  has  been  removed,  since  the  last  meet- 
ing of  this  Auxiliary  Society. 

Missionaries  may  now,  by  the  new  charter  of  the 
East-Tndia  Company,  go  any  where  in  their  domin- 
ions, to  persuade  sinners  to  be  reconciled  to  God 
through  the  great  Redeemer,  and  to  promote  the  mo- 
rality of  the  gospel. 

This  one  act  of  legislation,  calls  for  tlie  sincere  thanks 
of  the  friends  of  Zion,  to  Almighty  God,  in  all  parts 
of  Christendom.  It  ibrebodes  great  good  to  the  East* 
India  Missions; — it  looks  as  though  God  was  on 
their  side.  If  ht  itally  is,  neither  men,  nor  money 


21 


will  be  wanting: — His  counsels  ’tmll  stands  and  he 
%oill  do  all  his  pleasure. 

It  is  as  easy,  for  the  great  disposer  of  all  events,  to 
incline  other  persons  to  engage  in  foreign  missionsy  as 
it  was  to  incline  those,  who  have  already  engaged. 
It  is  as  easy  for  him,  to  provide  support  for  new  ones, 
as  it  has  hitherto  been  to  provide  for  those  who  have 
gone.  As  soon  as  money  was  needed  it  was  obtain* 
cd.  Many  persons  as  though  moved  by  a divine 
impulse,  stood  ready  to  contribute  ! they  haiie  con- 
tributed with  a liberal  hand! — They  are  ready  to 
contribute  again  and  again.  Their  hearts  are  in  the 
business.  Their  money  therefore,  will  not  be  with- 
holdcn,  whenever  the  Lord  calls  for  it.  ' 

Some  persons,  may  doubt  about  the  propriety  of 
giving.  They  may  object,  and  object,  and  be  so 
strongly  attached  to  their  golden  and  silver  gods,  as 
never  to  give  a dollar,  upon  any  occasion  to  aid  the 
missionary  cause ! — The  work  nevertheless  will  go 
on for  the  cause  is  the  Lord’s  : — He  owns  it 
He  undoubtedly  will  provide  for  it ! The  silver  and 
the  gold  are  his.  If  some  are  unbelieving,  and  will 
not  come  to  the  help  of  the  Lord,  there  are  enough, 
who  will ! 

As  worldly  wise  men,  love  to  lodge  their  money 
in  public  funds,  and  readily  subscribe  to  loan  them, 
when  the  security  is  good ; so  there  are  men,  posses- 
sing in  some  good  degree,  the  'loisdom  that  is  from 
above,  who  are  fond  of  lending  their  money  to  the 
Lord.  I'hey  well  know,  as  Godliness  is  profitable 
unto  all  thrngSy  having  the  promise  of  the  life  that  notu 
is,  and  that  xehich  is  to  come,  that  he  will  pay  princi- 
X>al  and  interest,  whenever  it  is  necessary. 


22 


Is  it  not  high  time,  for  all  who  believe  the  reality 
of  religion,  and  hope  to  be  saved  by  the  atoning  blood 
of  Christ,  to  attend  to  the  dictates  of  real  benevolence  ? 
and  to  see  that  they  do  not  love  in  word  and  tongue 
only,  but  in  deed,  and  truth ! — That  they  cast  their 
bread  upon  the  waters — that  they  spare  no  pains,  to 
make  Christ  known,  and  to  exalt  the  honor  of  God, 
in  the  salvation  of  sinners  ? Has  Christ  died  ? Is  full 
expiation  made  for  sin  ? Can  God  be  just  in  justify- 
ing him  who  believeth?  Is  there,  no  name  under 
heaven  given  among  men,  whereby  we  must  be  saved, 
but  the  name  oj  Jesus  Christ  of  Nazareth,  the  crucifi- 
ed and  risen  Saviour  ?*  Hath  the  inspired  Apostle 
said,  “How  then  shall  they  call  on  him  in  whom 
they  have  not  believed  ? and  how  shall  they  believe 
in  him  of  whom  they  have  not  heard  ? and  how  shall 
they  hear  without  a preacher?”! — Are  these  facts? 
Of  what  importance  then,  to  have  the  gospel  preached 
to  the  ends  of  the  earth  ! How  beautiful  are  the  feet 
of  them  that  preach  the  gospel  of  peace,  and  bring 
glad  tidings  of  good  things.  § 

You  all  well  “ know  the  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  that  though  he  was  rich,  yet  for  our  sakes  he 
became  poor,  that  ye  through  his  poverty  might  be 
rich.”!  Who,  under  the  influence  of  that  love, 
which  brought  the  divine  Jesus  from  heaven  to  earth, 
if  they  cannot  become  the  heralds  of  salvation  them- 
selves, but  must  feel  willing,  to  aid  the  missionary 
cause,  not  only  with  their  prayers,  but  with  their 
wealth  ? 

There  are  but  very  few  in  any  country,  who  can 
personally,  like  Llliot,  Brainard,  Swartz,  Thomas, 

•Acts  Hi.  to  cy  12.  tRom.  x.  14.  §Rora.  x.  15.  l2Cor.  viii.  9. 


23 


Cary  and  riiany  others,  actually  engage  in  missionary 
labors, — but  all  who  are  disposed  can  pray,  “ t/iy 
kingdom  come  and  there  are  very  few,  who  pray, 
but  can  at  least,  cast  /uo  mites,  into  the  missionary 
treasury! — THE  LOAN  IS  OPEN. — Those  who 
approve  of  the  missionary  cause  generally,  and  of 
foreign  missions  partieularly,  who  feci  bowels  of 
compassion,  for  the  poor  heathen,  not  onl)-  ignorant 
of  a Saviour,  but  who  often  expose  their  feeble  chiU 
dren,  and  aged  people  to  certain  deaths ; and  who  im- 
molate their  widowed  females  upon  the  funeral  piles 
of  their  husbands,  have  opportunity  this  day  to  put  in 
their  money.  They  are  earnestly  invited  to  do  it,  if 
they  approve  of  the  divine  security.  May  the  mem- 
bers of  this  Auxiliary  Society,  and  all  those  present, 
possess  both  the  praying  and  the  liberal  spirit. 

Let  us  all  give,  as  the  Lord  may  afford  us  oppor- 
tunity, always  remembering  that  he  loveth  a cheerful 
giver. 

Let  us  likewise  unceasingly  pray,  thy  kingdom 
come: — Pray  that  the  wilderness  may  blossom  as  the 
rose — that  Ethiopia  may  stretch  forth  her  hands  unto 
God — that  the  hordes  of  savages  in  our  own  country, 
from  the  Atlantic,  to  the  Pacific  Ocean — all  the  pa- 
gans of  the  Eastern  Continent,  and  upon  all  the  Isl- 
ands of  the  sea,  may  be  instructed  in  the  way  of  sal- 
vation revealed  in  the  gospel ; — that  Jew's  and  Gen- 
tiles, may  all  be  brought  into  the  same  sheepfold,  and 
be  deeply  engaged  to  glorify  God,  with  their  bodies 
and  spirits  which  are  his. 

“Ye  that  make  mention  of  the  Lord,  keep  not  si- 
lence. Give  him  no  rest,  ’till  he  establish — ’till  he 
make  Jerusalem  a praise  in  the  earth.” 


24 


.U  ■ 


4- 


Let  each  one  devoutly  say,  “ For  Zion’s  sake  will 
I not  hold  my  peace,  and  for  Jerusalem’s  sake  I will 
not  rest,  until  the  righteousness  thereof  go  forth  as 
brightness,  and  the  salvation  thereof  as  a lamp  that 
bumeth.’”^^'  AMEN. 

’‘Isaiah  Ixii.  1. 

, \ 

1 


; 

i 


T < I ' ' / 

*■ 


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